Flooding and slips across Christchurch
Heavy rain overnight has caused flooding in several areas of Christchurch, including by the Heathcote River and Oxford Tce. Many instances are being reported of cars being water logged especially when parked next to rivers, and people being stuck in their homes due to flooded driveways.
With the already saturated ground and flooding, Christchurch City Council Civil Defence and Emergency Management Manager, Brenden Winder, said it was likely there would be more surface flooding and slips in hillside areas.
“Strong easterly winds are forecast to accompany the rain, which may create issues with estuary and river levels, particularly around high tide on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.”
What you need to know:
- There are multiple road closures in the central city, including parts of Fitzgerald Ave and Cambridge Tce
- Some schools – including Christchurch Girls’ High, Hillmorton High, and St Thomas of Canterbury College – are asking students to work from home as flooding has made it difficult to access classrooms
- Council advises to clear leaves from sumps or drains on your property only if it is safe to do so
- If you come into contact with flood water, treat it as contaminated and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards
- Move cars, valuables and electrical items out of reach of potential flood water.
- In case of high winds, secure umbrellas, BBQs and outdoor furniture.
Council staff and contractors are ready to respond to issues and the council’s contact centre is open around-the-clock for residents who need help. To stay up to date with road closures and council updates, check the Christchurch City Council website.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.2% Yes, it's fair
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10.1% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
Cyclists forced to use ‘more dangerous’ crossing if cycleway closed
Closing a Christchurch cycleway to avoid an unsafe rail crossing will lead cyclists across an even “more dangerous” crossing, cycling advocates say.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has weighed in on the issue, calling the move to shut a 1.5km section of the Heathcote Expressway for up to two years, “illogical”. He has asked KiwiRail to explain.
KiwiRail is demanding Christchurch City Council close part of the expressway until $6.5 million worth of safety improvements can be made to the Scruttons Rd rail crossing.
It said the “unsafe” crossing posed the risk of death or serious injury once every thousand years.
What do you do think? Read the full story by reporters Sinead Gill and Tina Law here and tell us what you think in the comments. (A subscription is required, but you can see two free articles a month).
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.
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